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Mine Review Committees

Last updated on November 26, 2024

A mine review committee (MRC) is an advisory committee established by the chief permitting officer (CPO) under Section 9 of the Mines Act, and is a key part of the coordinated authorizations process.

By bringing together multiple ministries, Indigenous nations, federal and local governments, and other reviewers, MRCs increase efficiency and effectiveness by reducing duplication of effort and by focusing on the project as a whole and not splitting the authorizations apart.

The MRC is an advisory committee and does not have any decision making authority. The purpose of the committee is to review and make recommendations on applications to statutory decision makers (SDMs), including:

  • Conducting a coordinated review of application information provided by the Proponent for authorizations submitted
  • Ensuring opportunities for Indigenous nations to receive, review and contribute to the review of an application and development of recommendations
  • Identifying technical issues related to the application, and working with Proponents to find solutions for those issues
  • Referring issues related to the application that are raised but not within the disciplines or responsibilities of the MRC to the appropriate authority or forum
  • Assisting in Indigenous engagement activities
  • Providing recommendations to SDMs regarding applications under review

MRCs include representatives from impacted, or potentially impacted, Provincial ministries, Indigenous nations, and any other organizations who may need to review the application. MRCs are chaired by a project lead from the ministry. The proponent is not a member of the MRC but plays an essential role in the authorizations process. Use the drop-down windows below to learn more about the different MRC roles.

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Technical Reviewers

Technical staff from various B.C. ministries are part of MRCs. They review the applications to ensure the project mitigates impacts to human and environmental health and complies with respective laws, notably the Mines Act, Environmental Management Act, and the Water Sustainability Act. Technical disciplines include engineering, geoscience, reclamation, health and safety, water management, hydrology, hydrogeology, and biology.

 

Indigenous Nations

Potentially affected Indigenous nations are invited and may choose to participate as MRC members for major mining projects proposed within their traditional territories. The interests and capacities of Indigenous nations can vary, and often include Aboriginal Interests and environmental issues, such as water quality and habitat disturbances. Some Indigenous nations may hire consultants to conduct technical reviews on their behalf.

 

Ministry project lead

The ministry project lead is the primary point of contact on the project for both MRC members and the proponent. The project lead is a member of and chairs the MRC. The project lead provides overall coordination of the process, including developing schedules, sending and receiving deliverables, leading consultation, managing issues, chairing MRC meetings, and overseeing decision making materials.

 

Proponent

The proponent is not a member of the MRC but plays an essential role in the authorizations process by placing the project into the process, providing information, making key decisions on timing and sequencing, and participating in the work of the MRC.

The proponent for a major mine project is solely responsible for the business decisions regarding the major mine project, including:

  • Deciding whether the project is feasible, when to pursue mine approvals and whether the proponent has the resources and staff to participate in the assessment and authorizations review processes
  • Deciding which, if any, applications to bundle, in consultation with the ministry project lead

In addition to business decisions, the proponent is also expected to support the coordinated authorizations process through:

  • Establishing relationships with Indigenous nations and engaging in other procedural aspects of consultation as may be required
  • Reaching out to government ministries and the public
  • Preparing, collecting, and distributing information
  • Presenting at meetings and taking meeting minutes
  • Maintaining comment and response tracking tables
  • Addressing issues raised by the MRC
  • Developing and maintaining schedules in consultation with the ministry project lead
  • Submitting complete applications
  • Attending MRC meetings at the request of the ministry project lead to present information, provide updates, and answer questions